Cambodia Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Phnom Penh.

Geography:

Bordered to the west by Thailand, to the north by Laos and to the east by Vietnam, Cambodia is a roughly circular country with a southern coastline giving onto the Gulf of Thailand. The landscape comprises tropical rainforest and fertile cultivated land, with lush highlands rising in both the northeast and southeast. Rivers are a central feature of its make-up, with Phnom Penh situated at the confluence of the Bassac, the Tonle Sap and the mighty Mekong. A large inland lake, also called Tonle Sap, sits close to the Angkor Temple Complex in the north. There are numerous beaches and offshore islands along the southwest coast.

However, Cambodia’s main landscape is its jewel, comprising tropical rainforest and fertile cultivated land, with lush highlands rising in both the north east and south east. This rich, nutritious land also includes a wealth of nature, including rare and endangered species such as Indochinese tigers, Asian elephants and freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins.

Unfortunately Cambodia suffers from high rates of illegal trading in endangered wildlife and logging, and man is fast wiping out these incredible creatures and their habitat. Around Cambodia visitors can find various eco-camps and rainforest preservation trips offering excursions, education and an alternative form of income to locals previously involved in illegal trade.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

Cambodia Angkor Air (www.cambodiaangkorair.com) is the national airline and operates flights from Thailand and China to Cambodia.

Most long-haul flights to Cambodia require a stop-over in Bangkok, Hong Kong or Singapore first. Air Asia (www.airasia.com), Bangkok Airways (www.bangkokair.com) and Thai Airways (www.thaiair.com) fly between Cambodia and Thailand.

The major airport is: Phnom Penh International Airport.

Departure Tax

Included in air fare.

Flight Times

To Phnom Penh: from Bangkok - 1 hour; London - 14 hours (including stopover); New York - 21 hours (including stopover).

Getting There By Road

It is possible to drive from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City in a day but there are formalities involved regarding the use of the same vehicle all the way. Right-hand drive vehicles (quite common in Cambodia) are not allowed entry to Vietnam. You must obtain Vietnamese visas in advance, but you can obtain Cambodian visas at the border.

Getting There By Water

Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville are the main ports. You can reach Phnom Penh via the Mekong Delta through Vietnam. This route is served by regular passenger ferry services from Chau Doc in Vietnam, with tickets available through travel agencies or at the dock. You can reach Sihanoukville from Thailand through the border crossing at Hat Lek and the boat from Koh Kong. Tickets are sold at the dock in Sihanoukville.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

Cambodia Angkor Air (www.cambodiaangkorair.com) and Bassaka Air (www.bassakaair.com) operate internal flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap for Angkor (journey time - 45 minutes). Siem Reap Airport, the main gateway for visitors going to see the ancient temples at Angkor, is a 10-minute taxi ride from the city.

Bike

Given the predominant use of motorcycles for urban public transportation, you should ensure that any insurance policies provide coverage for riding as a driver or passenger. Cattle often stray onto the roads. In Siem Reap, it's easy to find companies hiring motorbikes, despite a local ban to protect tourists.

Breakdown Services

These are few and far between. In most areas, drivers of broken-down vehicles have to take a bus, taxi or moto to the nearest town to hire a tow to a local garage.

Car Hire

It is really only possible to hire a car with a driver. You can arrange car hire by private negotiation with a taxi waiting outside the hotels or through tour operators.

Documentation

An International Driving Permit is not recognised in Cambodia, and as car hire does not exist, visitors are advised to hire a car with a driver.

Getting Around By Rail

Cambodia’s defunct railway system is slowly being rehabilitated, but there are currently no passenger services.

Road Quality

Roads vary from excellent to very poor and there are numbered routes from Phnom Penh with Route 1 leading to the Vietnamese border. Take care while driving, as accidents are relatively frequent. You can't always rely on other vehicles to use headlights at night.

Side Of Road

r

Taxi

You can hire taxis in main cities, although they are not metered so the price has to be fixed in advance. Tips are appreciated.

Urban Travel

There is a limited public bus service in Phnom Penh, but none in Siem Reap. Taxis wait outside hotels and restaurants but, as they are unmetered, the fare should be fixed before leaving. Cyclos (tricycles) or motodops (motorcycle taxis) are an efficient and inexpensive way to get around and some of the drivers, especially those found outside main hotels, speak a little French or English. Siem Reap also has motorised tuk tuks.

In terms of the greatest risks (particularly in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville), the greatest danger faced by visitors is from road-traffic accidents, armed robbery after dark, bag snatching and, in remote areas, landmines.

Getting Around By Water

Government-run ferries depart from the Phnom Penh port near Street 104 and go to Siem Reap, a route popular with travellers. You can buy tickets in person at the dock or through a travel agent. Travel can be difficult in the dry season when the water level is very low, and often boat services are suspended.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates 

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow and contact FCDO:    

• travel advice on X 

• travel advice on Facebook 

• Travel Aware on Instagram

This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of Cambodia's current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Cambodia set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Cambodia your passport must be:

• valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive in Cambodia
• undamaged and complete – entry is normally refused if you have a damaged passport or pages missing

If you apply to renew or extend your visa from within Cambodia, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the start date of that subsequent renewal or extension.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter Cambodia as a visitor. 

Tourist visas are valid for 30 days from the date of entry into Cambodia. Make sure your passport is stamped on arrival and keep the departure form. If you lose your departure form, you'll need to contact immigration officials before you leave the country to make alternative arrangements. 

Applying for a tourist visa 

Apply for an e-visa at least 4 days in advance. 

Check with the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in the UK for the latest information on fees, conditions and photograph requirements. If you do not get an e-visa, you can get a visa on arrival at airports or land border crossings. You need to provide a photo and pay in US dollars. 

You can also get an extension of a tourist visa while you are in Cambodia. 

You can be fined, detained and deported if you overstay your visa. There is no limit to this fine. If you overstay more than 30 days, you will need to leave Cambodia and pay the fine.

Electronic arrival card

On 1 September 2024, Cambodia implemented an electronic Arrival Card.  If you are entering Cambodia by air at either Phnom Penh, Siem Reap or Sihanoukville international airports, you must complete and submit an electronic e-Arrival Card within 7 days prior to your arrival. There is no charge for this.

Business visas and work permits 

Business visas are issued by the immigration department and are available: 

• on arrival in Phnom Penh airport 

• at the immigration department 

• in advance from any Cambodian embassy 

To work in Cambodia you need a business visa and a work permit. Your employer will need to apply for your work permit from the Department of Labour and Social Affairs. 

The Cambodian government strictly enforces these rules, so ask the relevant department for the latest advice.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Cambodia, you must have a certificate to prove you've had a yellow fever vaccination if you're coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Cambodia guide.

Registering with the authorities

The Cambodian Department of Immigration runs an online registration app called the Foreigners Present in Cambodia System (FPCS).

If you're staying in a hotel, guesthouse or rented accommodation, make sure the manager or landlord registers you using the app.

If you are staying with friends or family or own your own home in Cambodia, you will need to register yourself, using the app for Android or iOS. You need to enter a Cambodian phone number for your registration to be valid.

If you fail to get yourself registered, you may be unable to extend your visa if you want to.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Cambodia

Although there's no recent history of terrorism in Cambodia, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by expatriates and foreign travellers. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation

Border with Thailand

The line of the international border near the Preah Vihear temple ('Khaoi Pra Viharn' in Thai) has been in dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, with occasional clashes between Cambodian and Thai troops. There have also been disputes over control of the Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples, which are close to the Cambodia-Thailand border.

Take extra care when travelling in this area, and follow the instructions of the local authorities.

Land borders

Be alert to the local security situation in border regions and at land crossings between countries. Get local advice before you set off. At the more remote crossing points, conditions can be basic. Local officials and tour operators can ask for unofficial fees or inflate visa prices at land borders. Make sure you know the correct visa requirements and fees before you travel.

Protests and demonstrations 

Avoid all protests, demonstrations and student and political rallies as they can become violent without warning.

Landmines

Cambodia remains heavily affected by landmines and unexploded weapons. Mined areas are often unmarked. Do not:

• stray off main routes in rural areas, including around temple complexes
• pick up metal objects

Crime

Organised crime

A bomb was left near a casino in Phnom Penh in December 2022 and there was a shooting in the same month. Both were likely linked to organised crime, and tourists were not targeted.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Most incidents of theft are bag snatchings, often by thieves riding past on motorbikes. Thieves will cut bag straps and snatch bags or phones from tourists on foot or in tuk-tuks and on motorbikes, often causing injury. There have been incidents on bus journeys where passengers have had items taken from bags while asleep.

Hotspots for petty crime include:

• the riverfront and BKK areas of Phnom Penh
• the beaches and tourist areas of Sihanoukville and nearby islands

To reduce your risk from street crime:

• use a hotel safe for your valuables
• take extra care at night and in isolated areas and stick to well-used, well-lit roads
• carry a personal alarm if possible
• minimise the items you carry with you
• carry bags on the side of you that is furthest from the road
• do not place bags in the front basket of bicycles
• try to travel in tuk-tuks with metal grills on the back and side that offer some protection against bag snatching

Sexual assault

Female travellers, including British nationals, have been sexually assaulted in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. This includes incidents of lone women being sexually assaulted by men claiming to be motorbike taxi drivers in the Pub Street area of Siem Reap. Be wary of approaches from strangers and offers of transport.

Personal safety

Parties, including organised dance parties on Cambodia's islands, may place you at risk of:

• sexual assault
• robbery
• injury
• arrest
• losing belongings, including travel documents

Islands are often isolated and access to medical or emergency assistance is limited or non-existent.

Cambodians are friendly, but you should be wary if a Cambodian or other foreign national befriends you quickly and invites you to their home or hotel to meet their family.

Drink spiking

Police have reported instances of drink spiking in some bars visited by foreign nationals. Do not leave drinks unattended.

Methanol poisoning

There is a risk of methanol poisoning from home brewed alcohol or counterfeit replicas of well-known alcohol brands. Affected drinks may include:

• local spirits, including rice wine
• spirit-based mixed drinks such as cocktails
• counterfeit brand-name spirits

To protect yourself from methanol poisoning you should:

• buy alcoholic drinks only from licensed liquor stores, bars, clubs, restaurants, and hotels
• avoid home-made alcoholic drinks
• check bottle seals are intact
• check labels for poor print quality or incorrect spelling

If the label, smell or taste seems wrong, do not drink the alcohol. These are signs it is illegal and could contain methanol. TravelHealthPro lists the symptoms of methanol poisoning.

Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show signs of methanol poisoning.

Scams

Travellers have reported fake dollar bills being given as change in shops and clubs. Check that notes you receive are genuine and are not damaged or torn.

Be sceptical if offered an opportunity of easy work. Organised crime groups operate sophisticated job scams, advertising 'easy jobs with high pay'. They traffic victims – some of them from neighbouring countries – mostly to secure compounds in and around Sihanoukville, border areas and Kandal. These jobs have turned out to be long hours of factory work where pay was low, passports withheld and free movement was allegedly restricted.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID 

It may be useful to carry a copy of the photo page of your passport, but this is not a legal requirement in Cambodia.

Legal system and prison sentences

The legal process in Cambodia is unpredictable, lacks transparency and is open to interference from political and business interests. The investigation and trial process falls far below the standard of the UK. Pre-trial detention can also last many months. The British Embassy will not interfere in the legal processes of a host country.

The conditions in Cambodian prisons are extremely poor and overcrowded. Medical facilities in prisons are also very poor. The UK has no prisoner transfer agreement with Cambodia so if you're found guilty you can expect to serve your full prison term in Cambodia.

Illegal drugs  

Penalties for drug offences in Cambodia are severe. Possession of even small quantities of recreational drugs can lead to a long prison sentence. 

Drugs have also caused the death of several foreign travellers. These deaths are likely to be the result of impurities, or from being mixed with unknown substances.

Angkor Wat official code of conduct

The Cambodian authorities have issued an official code of conduct for visitors at Angkor Wat and other religious sites.

Dress code 

You may be refused admission to religious sites, including Angkor Wat, if you wear skirts or shorts above the knee. Cover bare shoulders.

Using cameras in secure areas

Never take photographs on or near military bases. Ask permission before taking pictures of people, especially monks and other religious figures.

Research, photography and filming

Request permission in advance from the district head, provincial governor or national tourism board for any travel that authorities might see as out of the ordinary, including:

• scientific research of any kind 

• carrying out surveys 

• extensive photography or filming

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Cambodia. The LGBT+ community is becoming more visible, through gay clubs, club nights and the work of some human rights organisations.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Adopting Cambodian children

The UK government has suspended all adoptions of Cambodian children by UK residents.

Commercial surrogacy

Commercial surrogacy is banned in Cambodia. If you pay a surrogate, you could get a fine or a prison sentence. See guidance on surrogacy abroad.

Phone and data connections

While there is good wi-fi and mobile phone networks in the main cities and towns of Cambodia, many of the islands and remote areas are not well covered. Make sure your friends and family are aware that you may be out of contact.

Health and safety

Cambodia does not have the same health and safety standards as in the UK. Be aware that safety advice will be minimal and there may be no warning signs about dangers at tourist sites.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Jungle treks

If you're considering jungle trekking, use a reputable tour guide. There's no licensing system for tour guides, so get advice from your hotel, and look at online reviews before hiring a guide.

Water-based activities

When swimming, kayaking, rafting, or using jet-skis:

• take extra care in the rainy season from May to October
• watch for river currents – these can be extremely strong and there have been fatalities because of this
• beware of jellyfish in the sea close to the shore – their sting can be fatal
• take local advice from hotel management and rent equipment only from recommended operators
• check for damage before using any equipment
• insist on training and ask operators to explain safe practices

See ⁠watersports safety advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).

Scuba diving

Diving school standards are not always as high as in the UK. You should:

• check a dive operator's credentials
• make sure you're covered by insurance
• make sure safety equipment is available on the boat, particularly oxygen
• ask about safety precautions, including the ability to transfer divers to a hyperbaric chamber

If you have not had any previous diving experience:

• ask your dive instructor to explain what cover they offer before signing up
• check what to do if something goes wrong, including how to call for help while at sea

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Cambodia, see information on driving abroad. Cambodia has one of the highest rates of road traffic accidents in south-east Asia. There are large numbers of fatalities and serious injuries. Many accidents are due to poor vehicle and driver safety standards. Travel after dark significantly increases the risk of accidents.

To hire a car or a motorcycle over 125cc, you may sometimes need to have the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Before you hire any vehicle, check drivers and any passengers are covered by your travel insurance and check the small print of the rental agreement.  

For long-term car rental or to drive a private car, you need to get a Cambodian driving licence. Local travel agencies or car hire firms can help arrange this for a fee. Bring an IDP and your UK licence.

Motorcycles

Travelling as a passenger by motorcycle taxi ('moto dop') is dangerous. Vehicles are poorly maintained and driving standards are low. There is also a risk that thieves (also on motorcycles) will snatch bags from off your bike, particularly in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville.

The police can impose an on-the-spot fine if you ride a motorcycle without a helmet. Riding without a helmet may also invalidate your insurance.

Do not hand over your passport as a guarantee for returning a motorcycle or scooter.

Sea and river travel

Accidents have happened when boats are overloaded or poorly maintained. Tourist boats sometimes operate despite weather warnings, particularly between Sihanoukville and the nearby islands.

Water levels in rivers and lakes are high during the rainy season from June to October, making currents faster and more dangerous. Boat travel on rivers is difficult in the dry season, from March to May, due to the exposure of sandbars and other hazards that can damage boats or cause them to run aground.

The Mekong River Commission posts official updates on the Mekong River.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Monsoon

Heavy storms during the monsoon season from June to October disrupt and damage the road network. Travel to some provinces can be seriously restricted by landslides at this time. Poor drainage results in flooded roads, causing major traffic congestion and delays in Phnom Penh - including along the route to the airport.

Monitor local news and weather reports, and weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation.

Flooding

Lakes, caves and waterfalls are particularly prone to dangerous flash flooding during the rainy season from June to October.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need

• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 119 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Cambodia
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Cambodia, including: 

• malaria and dengue 
• Zika virus 
• Schistosomiasis  
• biting insects and ticks

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Cambodia

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Cambodia where some staff will speak English.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you're living in Cambodia.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Cambodia

Police: 117

Fire: 118

Ambulance: 119

Tourist police in Cambodia 

If you want to report a crime, you can go to the tourist police.  

You can get a police report for insurance purposes, but police are not always willing to investigate crimes. 

A police report should be free. If police ask for a fee contact the British Embassy in Phnom Penh and give details of the police station. 

To report a crime: 

• in Phnom Penh, go to the Tourist Police at Street 598, 12107 (Tel +855 (0)12 942 484) 

• in Siem Reap, go to the Tourist Police office which is next to the ticketing booth for the Angkor temple ruins 

• in Sihanoukville, Battambang and other towns in Cambodia, check with the local police which police station you should report to

Local law enforcement response to a crime, including a violent crime, is often limited. Foreigners attempting to report crimes have found: 

• police stations closed 

• emergency telephone numbers unanswered 

• police unwilling to investigate 

• police unable to speak English

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Cambodia
• dealing with a death in Cambodia
• being arrested or imprisoned in Cambodia
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO  

Help abroad   

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.  

Help in the UK   

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.   

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)   

Find out about call charges 

Get travel advice updates   

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.   

Follow and contact FCDO:  

• travel advice on X 

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Cambodia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Diphtheria	Yes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Malaria	Yes
Rabies	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes
Typhoid	Yes
Yellow Fever	No*

Overview:

Health insurance, including emergency evacuation, is absolutely essential. Doctors and hospitals expect cash payments for any medical treatment. The cost of medical evacuation is high. The hospital in Phnom Penh is reliable. Visitors should bring adequate supplies of any essential personal medication, since particular medications may not be available in Cambodia.

Vaccinations Note:

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by travellers arriving within 10 days from infected areas.

Food Drink:

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Boil or sterilise water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice. Bottled water is widely available. Milk is also unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is an advisable alternative to fresh produce. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other Risks:

When travelling on the wild side go with a reliable and experienced guide. Though tens of thousands have been removed, there are still landmines left over from years of war. There are still an estimated 4m undetonated mines in the country. As a result of the continual mine problem Cambodia has approximately 40,000 amputees, victims of unexploded ordinances. Supposedly, the Cambodian government spends around $30m each year on demining operations.

Drugs such as marijuana, ecstasy, opium, cocaine and heroin are readily available in Cambodia, but drugs penalties are harsh, and being a foreigner will not give you any protection. Also overdoses are rife, it’s common for dealers to cut drugs with poisonous substance and simply swap cocaine orders with heroin (as heroin is much cheaper).

Cholera may be a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination.

It is advisable to take anti-malarials if you are travelling to affected areas. It is possible to buy anti-malarials at pharmacies in the larger cities. However, depending on the brand you may need to start the course before you arrive in a malaria zone, so it’s advisable to purchase anti malarials before you travel. Be aware that resistance to anti-malarial Lariam has been reported in Cambodia. Affected areas include Kapot, Sihanoukville, Piopet and Stung Treng, plus others whilst there is little risk of malaria in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.

Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present; avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Giardiasis, dysentery, typhoid fever and dengue feverare common throughout Cambodia. Dengue fever is particularly prevalent in Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, Kompong Thom and Siem Reap. Hepatitis Bis hyperendemic. Japanese encephalitisoccurs in rural areas from May to November, and is relatively common in the highlands where there are rice fields and pigs, as both are needed for the disease to occur. The vaccine is only usually given for people travelling in rural areas for four weeks or more.

Epidemics of avian influenza (bird flu) were reported in Asia in 2004 and again in 2005, and some human cases were confirmed. The last confirmed cases were in 2012, there were three. Visitors should avoid bird farms or markets, where contact with poultry might occur. HIV/AIDS is endemic and safe sex practices are essential.

Currency Information:

Riel (KHR; symbol CR) is the country’s official currency but locals prefer to use dollars. Riel notes are in denominations of CR100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Dollars notes (not coins) are widely accepted, yet visitors in small villages and shops vendors may not have change for high notes (including $10+). It is advisable to keep hold of small Riel change wherever you can as it is very useful.

Credit Cards:

Credit cards are now more widely accepted in upmarket hotels, shops and restaurants catering to visitors. There are ATMs in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. It is always best to carry cash (US Dollars if necessary) in small denominations.

ATMs:

There are plenty of ATMs in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville that accept international cards including Cirrus, Plus, Maestro, Visa and MasterCard.

Travellers Cheques:

Limited acceptance. Traveller's cheques are generally not recommended. Traveller's cheques in US Dollars can be changed at banks and some hotels, but can be difficult to change outside major cities.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 0800-1500. Some banks are open on Saturdays 0800-1130.

Currency Restrictions:

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. Foreign currency may be exported up to the limit declared at customs on arrival.

Currency Exchange:

US Dollars are widely exchangeable and can often be used as payment in their own right. Thai Baht can be easily exchanged close to the Thai border, but other currencies are generally only recognised at banks and airports.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
USD	US$

Exchange Rates

0.89

1.04

1.24

1.00

Language

Khmer is the official language and spoken by 95% of the population. Chinese and Vietnamese are also spoken. French was widely spoken until the arrival of the Pol Pot regime and is still taught in schools. English is commonly spoken in Cambodia. It's estimated that over 50% of the population are conversational in English, but travellers in rural areas may find in hard to communicate in smaller villages. Learning a few basic Khmer words will get you far, and earn you respects from the locals.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Victory Day	2024-01-07 00:00:00	0
International Women's Day	2024-03-08 00:00:00	0
Cambodian New Year	2024-04-13 00:00:00	0
Labour Day	2024-05-01 00:00:00	0
King Sihamoni's Birthday	2024-05-13 00:00:00	0
Meak Bochea Day	2024-05-22 00:00:00	0
Visak Bochea Day (Buddha's Birthday)	2024-05-22 00:00:00	0
Royal Ploughing Day Ceremony	2024-05-26 00:00:00	1
Former Queen's Birthday	2024-06-18 00:00:00	0
Constitution Day	2024-09-24 00:00:00	0
Pchum Ben Day	2024-10-12 00:00:00	1
Coronation Day	2024-10-29 00:00:00	0
Former King Sihanouk's Birthday	2024-10-31 00:00:00	0
Independence Day	2024-11-09 00:00:00	0
Water Festival	2024-11-14 00:00:00	1
International Human Rights Day	2024-12-10 00:00:00	0

Note:

Holidays falling on the weekend are observed the following Monday.

Buddhist festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and it is not possible to forecast the date of their occurrence exactly.

Overview:

.

Banned Imports:

The following are subject to licensing: arms and ammunition, pesticides and fertilisers, artificial sweeteners, cultural items above US$10,000, gold, silver and precious stones, pharmaceuticals and medical materials, vehicles, machinery for military purposes, and wood products (see www.customs.gov.kh for updates).

Telephone:

Prepaid telephone cards are available in post offices, hotels and shops for public phones around Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with many international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good in major towns and cities and patchy elsewhere.

Internet:

Available in most areas. Internet cafes are available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and all other major towns.

Post

Airmail to Europe takes at least a week, and longer to the USA. The main post office in Phnom Penh is located on the western side of 13 Street between 98 Street and 102 Street, open 0630-2100.

Post Office Hours:

Generally Mon-Fri 0730/0800-1700/1730, sometimes closed for lunch.

Media:

Much of Cambodia's media depends on support from political parties. Press freedom is not guaranteed, but Prime Minister Hun Sen has declared his public support for press freedom. There are no restrictions on satellite dish ownership, and neighbouring foreign radio broadcasts are easily received.

Newspapers The Cambodia Daily and The Phnom Penh Post (fortnightly) and are printed in English. National Television Kampuchea (TVK) is a state broadcaster, while Aspara TV and TV3 are commercial stations, and CTN, CTV9, Bayon TV and TV5 are private broadcasters. National Radio Kampuchea (RNK) is a state broadcaster; FM 95 (operated by Bayon Radio and TV News Agency), Radio FM 97 (operated by Aspara Radio and TV Radio) and Radio FM 103 are all commercial broadcasters. There are 11 TV stations nationwide, and 18 radio stations including French, Thai and Vietnamese broadcasts.

Phnom Penh: shop for silver

Prized across Southeast Asia since the 11th century, silver is one of the most sought-after Cambodian souvenirs and it is made into a remarkable range of objects, from anklets and jewellery to elegant bowls and betel nut storage tins. Most items are decorated with intricate designs, applied using the repousse technique, with tiny hammers and punches.

National parks in Cambodia

Large areas of Cambodia have been set aside as national parks. The southwest region is home to several including Kep National Park, Preah Monivong Bokor National Park, Ream National Park, Boutum Sakor National Park and Kirirom National Park. In the north, Phnom Kulen and Virachey are both outstanding national parks well worth a visit. Just 40km (25 miles) south of Phnom Penh is the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Sanctuary which provides a safe home for tigers, elephants, gibbons and other animals rescued from poachers and traffickers.

Kratié: go dolphin spotting

The Mekong town of Kratié (or Kracheh) is a popular place to see Irrawaddy river dolphins, one of the rarest of all aquatic mammals. Various tour operators organise early-morning boat trips to observe these peaceful creatures in their natural habitat, but time is running out for these graceful animals – only 80 are thought to survive in the Mekong River.

Bokor Hill Station (Preah Monivong National Park): imbibe history

An abandoned French hill station in the south of the country, Bokor was built originally as a weekend sanctuary for settlers stuck in stifling Phnom Penh. Like a Wild West ghost town, it's best known for its derelict hotel, which stands as an eerie reminder of the extravagant final years of French Indochina.

Kampot: kick back in Kampot

A sprawl of dilapidated shophouses on the riverbank, the southern town of Kampot provides a gateway to nearby national parks, cave temples at Phnom Chhngok and Phnom Sorsia. Travellers love Kampot for it's laid-back atmosphere and relaxing pace of life.

Kep: feast on fresh seafood

Cambodia's coastline offers the full sun, sea and sand experience, but for many visitors, the big appeal is Cambodia's ocean-fresh seafood. While all along the coast menus are graced by fresh fish, prawns, squid and lobster, Kep the coastal province is particularly famous for just-caught crab.

Phnom Penh: Cambodian Water Festival

As in neighbouring Thailand, the changing seasons in Cambodia are marked with major festivals, and the biggest of all is Bom Om Touk, held in October or November, when the flow of the Tonle Sap River changes direction. Visitors congregate in Sisowath Quay (in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh) for three days of merry-making, free concerts and boat races.

Siem Reap: move to Khmer rhythms

Classical Khmer dance is one of Asia's great dance traditions and displays have become a popular tourist attraction. Many international hotels around Siem Reap stage tourist shows, but you can see spontaneous dances across the country during monastery feast days. Also listen out for the haunting psychedelic rock of Ros Sereysothea, who vanished during the conflict.

Sihanoukville: relax on the sands

On the edge of Ream National Park, Sihanoukville is a popular backpacker beach hangout with a decidedly relaxed atmosphere. As unspoiled public beaches are hard to find around Sihanoukville nowadays (though private beaches still retain their pristineness), visitors can take ferries to nearby islands for a day of fishing and snorkelling.

Koh Rong, an island off Sihanoukville in the Gulf of Thailand, promises an authentic sand-between-your-toes coastal break. Koh Rong is accessible by ferry from Sihanoukville and has a small selection of bars for you to enjoy while lapping up the salt, sun and surf.

Mekong: take a river cruise

The boat trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is one of Asia's legendary traveller journeys, and by far the most atmospheric way of reaching the Angkor temples. On the journey along the Mekong River and out onto Tonle Sap lake, you'll absorb some of the spirit of Cambodia's life-giving waterways. The trip upstream to Battambang is even more scenic.

Phnom Penh: pay your respects at Tuol Sleng

Set in the former Phnom Penh high school that would later become the notorious S-21 detention centre, Tuol Sleng today acts as a haunting memorial to the genocide of the Khmer Rouge era. Torture instruments remain in some rooms and the walls are lined with photos of the tens of thousands of victims who passed through before vanishing in the Killing Fields.

Choeung Ek Killing Field: a heart-rending journey through history

To get a clearer understanding of Cambodia's darkest hour, visit the Choeung Ek Killing Field, 17km (11 miles) south of Phnom Penh. The Choeung Ek Monument contains more than 5,000 human skulls and the surrounding pits still littered with human bones. It makes for a sobering experience that will stay with you long after you leave the country.

Phnom Penh: marvel at Khmer art in the National Museum

Staggering amounts of Khmer art were looted during the Khmer Rouge years and sold on the international art market, but some of the finest examples of Khmer artistry now take pride of place in the National Museum in Phnom Penh. Among the impressive collection are statues and sculptures and ceramics. The building was constructed by the French in 1917.

Phnom Penh: swing by the Royal Palace

Phnom Penh's showpiece attraction was built in the 1860s, and it cuts a handsome figure on the skyline, crowned by a series of stupas and towering spires. The royal family were driven from the palace during the Khmer Rouge era, but the monarchy was restored in 1993. The adjoining Silver Pagoda houses a number of ancient and revered Buddha statues.

Angkor Wat: a must-see destination

Angkor, the former capital of the ancient Khmer Empire, is one of the greatest and most spectacular religious sites in the world. Construction of this elaborate temple complex – built in honour of the Hindu god Vishnu – began in AD 879 but the site was lost to history for centuries before being rediscovered by Frenchman Henri Mahout in 1860.

The Bayon is perhaps the most magnificient of all the structures at Angkor. From its monumental towers, a series of colossal stone faces, depicting the Buddhist deity Avalokitesvara, gaze out serenely across the temples and jungles. The atmosphere is mesmerising, particularly at dawn, when the faces loom dramatically out of the mist.

The Angkor complex sprawls for miles through the jungle, but roaming to outlying temples is part of the magic. Hire a bike and spend days exploring the temples, shrines and palaces, from the famous spires of Angkor Wat and the magnificent Bayon, to overgrown Ta Phrom and the remote temples of Bantaey Srei.

Phnom Penh: support the Daughters of Cambodia

Overlooking the river in downtown Phnom Penh, Daugthers of Cambodia aims to help at least 100 girls each year to permanently walk free from sex-work and find alternative employment. Support them by visiting their fair-trade café, shop and spa.

Overview

Visitors to Cambodia have a tendency to leave with bulkier luggage than on arrival: the country's markets are heavy with potential souvenirs, ranging from silks, textiles and statues to carvings, silverwork and Buddhist artworks. Unique to Cambodia is the omnipresent krama (a unisex checked scarf usually made of cotton), while silk can be bought either by the length, or in the form of scarves and other garments. Jewellery, ceramics, clothing, CDs and DVDs are widespread in city markets.

Try Phnom Penh Central Market or Angkor Night Market as a starting point - go prepared to haggle. Alternatively peruse the trendy, fairtrade boutiques in the nation’s capital. Areas such as Street 240 and Street 178 offer art dealerships, which have popped up in handfuls in recent years. Silk shops selling everything from scarves to daintily embroidered cushions, a and antique traders selling furniture and memorabilia are also common here. Bookshops selling tomes of the region can be bought on Norodom Boulevard or 178 Street for your onward journey.

Opening Hours

Daily 0800-2000.

Overview

Cambodian food draws on the same rich culinary traditions as neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam, with a noticeable leaning towards fish – as you might expect from a nation at the delta of the mighty Mekong River.

Cambodian pepper and cardamoms join more familiar Southeast Asian ingredients such as curry pastes (kroeung in Khmer), lemongrass, chilli, kaffir lime leaves, Asian basil and galangal as flavourings for stir fries, stews and soups. Prahok – a pungent seasoning made from fermented fish – is another much-loved seasoning.

The foundation of any Khmer meal is rice, either sticky rice, or the fragrant jasmine rice grown in paddy fields across the nation. Vietnamese influence manifests itself in the form of noodle soups such as kuy teav, while the French legacy is obvious from the popularity of coffee and the nom pang (baguette sandwiches with pork) served as snacks across the country.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

Locals rarely tip but travellers often like to and around 10% is appropriate, particularly in hotels and restaurants where no service charge has been added.

Drinking Age

There are no age restrictions on drinking in Cambodia, but a new minimum age of 21 is being debated.

Hotels

Hotels in Cambodia are inexpensive, and standards have vastly improved in recent years, especially in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, which offer a variety of hotels and hostels, and numerous international hotel chains. Elsewhere, there is usually one good standard hotel in town, although facilities are often limited. Take star ratings with a pinch of salt; there is no official grading of hotels in Cambodia. Price is often the only guide to the quality, but not often the best guide. Ask to be shown your room before you hand over your credit card for a week’s stay, to avoid disappointment.

Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville have some superb hotels with major five-star brands such as Raffles, InterContinental and Sofitel offering all the facilities and services expected in international-standard properties. There is also a good selection of mid-range hotels and quirkier luxury abodes such as floating river lodges (complete with air conditioning, televisions and room service), jungle bungalows (hidden in the forests, for ultimate seclusion) and private islands (such as Song Saa, set on Koh Ouen Island, Sihanoukville).

Camping Caravaning

Various resorts, reserves and national parks offer scope for camping. A few travel companies can arrange camping for organised tour groups, and individuals craving an off-the-beaten-track experience. In this case all equipment is usually supplied. However, it’s worth mentioning that Cambodia is a hugely bio-diverse area and home to thousands of rare species and tropical wildlife. Be aware of your surroundings and make sure your guides are experienced, carry anti-venom and can identify dangerous species.

Other

History

Little is known of the early history of Cambodia, although there is evidence of habitation in parts of the country dating as far back as 4000 BC. It is also known that Chinese and Indian traders exchanged goods with people living on the coasts of present-day Cambodia and Vietnam as early as the AD 1st century.

According to Chinese chroniclers, a Hindu kingdom known as Funan flourished between AD 300–550, but the power of this trading empire declined for reasons unknown and their territories were claimed by the Chenla dynasty, which was divided into two parts – Land Chenla and Water Chenla – in the 8th century. During this period Cambodian power spread westwards into parts of Thailand.

Cambodia’s golden era came with the arrival of the Khmer dynasty, which ruled from the 9th to the 15th centuries and made the kingdom of Kambuja (from where modern-day Cambodia gets its name) one of the most powerful in Asia. The Khmer established their most famous capital at Angkor, founded as a Hindu spiritual centre but later converted to Buddhist worship.

A long period of decline followed, before the country fell under French colonial control in the 1800s. Independence was finally achieved in 1953, coinciding with the French being driven from Vietnam, after which Norodom Sihanouk was appointed king. His first reign lasted until the 1970s, when a coup d’etat by the prime minister led to Cambodia being caught up in the Vietnam War. American air raids on Cambodia played a direct role in the rise of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, who seized control after a brutal insurgency in 1975.

During the four years of Khmer Rouge rule, tens of thousands of people were executed in a systematic campaign of genocide, targeting academics, the wealthy, the educated, city dwellers and even people who wore glasses. In 1979 the Vietnamese army captured Phnom Penh and occupied Cambodia, which was renamed the People's Republic of Kampuchea.

Following UN intervention, Sihanouk returned to the throne in 1993, before abdicating in 2004 in favour of his son, Norodom Sihamoni. In the subsequent elections, the left-wing Cambodian People’s Party came to wield most of the power, led by prime minister Hun Sen. The most important ongoing issue facing Cambodia is the clearance of land mines and unexploded ordnance left behind from American bombing and the civil war, which continue to kill hundreds of people every year.

Did you know?
• The Cambodian flag is the only national flag to feature a building – Angkor Wat.
• There are an estimated four million unexploded landmines still scattered around the Cambodian countryside
• Cambodia is one of the only countries in the world that has never had a McDonalds restaurant.

Religion

95% of the population are classified Buddhist (Theravada), the remainder are Muslim and Christian. Buddhism was reinstated as the national religion in 1989 after a ban on religious activity in 1975.

Social Conventions

Sensitivity to politically-related subjects in conversation is advisable. Avoid pointing your foot at a person or touching someone on the head, as it’s considered insulting. Women should keep their shoulders covered and should not wear shorts when visiting pagodas.

Photography: Permitted, with certain restrictions such as the photography of military installations, airports and railway stations. It is considered polite to ask permission before photographing Cambodian people, especially monks.

Best Time To Visit:

Being located in the tropical zone north of the equator, Cambodia has a monsoon climate. Monsoon season runs May - November, meaning that the most pleasant season for visitors is generally the dry season, stretching from November/December - April. Immediately after the monsoon, the blanketing green of the countryside can be stunningly beautiful.

In the north, winters are generally colder, while throughout most of the country temperatures remain fairly constant. The average year-round temperature in Cambodia is 27.7°C (the highest monthly average being 35°C, the lowest monthly average being 21°C). There is often seasonal flooding in Phnom Penh and the rest of Cambodia in late July and early August, and, because the majority of roads are dirt, travel may be disrupted at these times. At the peak of the wet season it can rain as often as two in every three days.

While the rain may affect certain outdoor activities when travelling (many hiking, biking or boat cruise companies will cancel excursions), the temperature is pleasant and in the larger cities the rainfall acts as a burst of refreshment for the dusty roads. Do bear in mind when hiking during the region in monsoon season that leeches are plentiful; leech socks and regular leech checks en route are advisable.

.

Required Clothing

Lightweight clothing is worn all year. Gumboots, umbrellas and raincoats are advisable during the monsoon season - because when it rains, it pours. Rain may continue solidly for days on end.

Dialing Code:

+855

Area(sq km):

181035

Population:

16.718.965

Population Density(per sq km):

87

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

119